House exuding quiet elegance in Singapore by KNQ Associates

Singapore-based architectural practice KNQ Associates have completed thisfour-storey terrace property. Completed in late 2012, the contemporary home can be found in Singapore and was designed by architect Stanley Tham.

According to the architects: “Every home should have a captivating entrance – one which arouses the curiosity of guests so that they are interested to see more of the inside. To achieve this, the dark wood veneer on the front door is complemented by textured stone tiles on the surrounding walls at the car porch and a specially designed shoe storage unit. Wall hanging plants break up the neutral tones here with an invigorating green.

The interior design for this four-storey house mixes contemporary design elements with glamorous accents, including reflective materials and luxe furnishings, to create a vibrant atmosphere. Having an insight into the family’s preferences (and becoming friends in the process) enlivens the interior scheme and adds the much needed ‘human spirit’ into the space.

“Understated greys and whites are interspersed with accents of bright colors for warmth in the living room. The room also features a black and white sofa, paired with an unique black powder coated steel coffee table featuring laser-cutouts of birds. The reflection on a tall mirror wall gives a spacious look and doubles the image of the impressive light well, bringing plenty of daylight into the dining area.

“A door which camouflages the store room (under the stairway) on the opposite wall is finished in mirror yet again, but this time featuring an abstract graphic motif. Bronze and beige wallpapers add a touch of glitz.

“The same design style continues in the bedrooms, but different accent colors in the furnishings are used to distinguish each room. In the children’s’ bedrooms, functionality is of utmost importance – to provide a conducive study corner and ample book storage for each child.

“The master bedroom has a more hotel suite feel to it, emphasising on textural play and strong color contrasts. An existing wall standing in the middle of the room has been extended towards the full height sliding doors (leading to a balcony) to convert the area into a walk-in closet offering much more clothing storage (indeed, storage has been maximized in this room – even the headboard provides some efficient storage behind those fabric padded doors!) A black and white abstract nude image on this wall facing the bed provides the finishing touch, injecting a sense of sexiness into the room.

“As one moves up the stairs, artwork and photos hanging by the side walls provide a distinct visual experience – akin to walking through an art gallery with works that can only be curated by the home owners themselves. The family room on the 3rd storey is a fully equipped entertainment suite suited for an incredible movie experience in full surround, as well as singing thousands of tunes through a massive karaoke song library.

“On the roof garden, the original ceramic floor tiles have been overlaid with wood-grain homogeneous tiles to mimic timber plank decking yet ensuring easier maintenance. At the designated alfresco dining area, a newly carved planter is enhanced by dramatic up-lighting and the trickling sounds emanating from the water feature to provide a soothing dining experience during those breezy evenings.

“At the opposite end, a cabana provides a comfy sheltered nook in which family and friends can gather and chat to their hearts’ content, all the while basking in the glow of candlelight and swaying to the sounds of music.”

Assif is a luxury travel and design aficionado currently working as a BBC content producer. He holds an MA in journalism from the University of Leeds. He is partial to tea and cake - Yorkshire Tea Gold Blend please. His favourite trips include island hopping in the Seychelles, a mountain escape in Kashmir and getting lost in Hong Kong.

Assif is the current editor of Adelto Magazine. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram: @journolista.